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✨ Big Wins, Tasty Bites & AV Fun: Homebuyers, Tacos & Community Cleanup!

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AV Weekly
January 11, 2026

💌 Hey AV Fam! 2026 is already off to a promising start, and there’s plenty to get excited about! From new opportunities for first-time homebuyers to tacos that consistently hit the mark at Fatboys, and the Love Your City cleanup bringing neighbors together on MLK Day, the Valley is buzzing with big energy and excitement.

Whether you’re cheering on local basketball teams, exploring concerts and events, or just looking for something fun to do this week, there’s no shortage of ways to connect, celebrate, and make the most of life in the AV. 

Let’s dive into all the fun happenings around the valley this week!⤵️

🚨 Top Stories: $4.95M boost for first-time homebuyers
🍴 AV Eats: Fatboys Taco – birria, street tacos, & fresh salsas in Lancaster & Palmdale.
🌹 Community News: Love Your City cleanup returns on MLK Day.
⚽ Sports News: AVC and local high school basketball scores and highlights.
🎭 AV Happenings: NTLL Genesis wrestling, concerts, & theater.

Top Stories

🏡 Big Boost for First-Time Homebuyers in Lancaster

Credit: City of Lancaster

Good news for future homeowners in Lancaster. The city is set to receive about $4.95 million in state funding to help first-time buyers take that exciting step into homeownership.

The funding comes from the California Department of Housing and Community Development through the CalHome Program and the Joe Serna Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant. Together, these funds will support Lancaster’s first-time homebuyer program and make buying a home more attainable for local families.

So what does this mean in real life? At least 30 first-time buyers could receive deferred payment second mortgage loans to help purchase condominiums planned for a new development at the former Antelope Valley Fairgrounds site at Avenue I and Division Street.

The condos are being proposed by Grupe Investment Co., with plans for about 215 units total. The project is aimed at low- and moderate-income households, as well as workforce-income buyers who want to live and work in the Antelope Valley.

To qualify for the city’s assistance, buyers must earn 80 percent or less of the area median income. The city’s loan could cover up to 40 percent of the purchase price, or $150,000, whichever is less. Loans will range from at least $1,000 and are designed to help bridge the affordability gap, not add extra financial pressure.

There are safeguards in place, too. When combined with other loans, the total debt on the home cannot exceed the purchase price. The home’s appraised value must also fall within local median sales limits.

The Lancaster City Council approved accepting the conditional award in December as part of its consent calendar. Around the same time, the City Council, acting as the Lancaster Housing Authority, approved an extension to continue negotiations with Grupe Investment Co. for the 12.9-acre site where the condos are planned.

The city and developer now have until February 25 to finalize negotiations and work toward a formal agreement for the sale and development of the land.

Bottom line? This funding could open the door for dozens of Lancaster residents to become homeowners, right in the heart of the city. It’s another step toward building opportunity and strengthening the local community, one home at a time.

Local Business

🍔🎶 Vendors Wanted for the 2026 Palmdale Amphitheater Season

Credit: Palmdale Amphitheater

The Palmdale Amphitheater is getting ready for another big season and they are looking for local food vendors to be part of the 2026 lineup. With major concerts, festivals, and community events on the calendar, this is a great chance to put your food in front of thousands of hungry AV locals in a fun, family friendly setting.

What vendors need

  • City of Palmdale business license and mobile vending permit

  • Valid Los Angeles County Public Health Permit

  • Proof of general liability and auto insurance

  • Current menu with pricing

What to know

  • Applications close Tuesday, March 31

  • Events draw large crowds from across the Antelope Valley

If you are a local vendor looking to grow your business and be part of the AV event scene, now is the time to apply. Full details and the application are available through the Palmdale Amphitheater vendor page.

AV EATS

🌮 Fatboys Taco: Lancaster & Palmdale’s Taco Powerhouse

If you’re looking for next-level tacos that hit every time, then you have to swing by Fatboys Taco in Palmdale or Lancaster.

From the first bite, Fatboys Taco delivers authentic Mexican flavor with generous portions and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re digging into savory carne asada and suadero street tacos or sampling their flavorful quesobirria and Anaheim chili tacos, every offering feels like it was crafted with passion.

Best Things to Order

  • Birria tacos melt-in-your-mouth rich and perfectly seasoned

  • Street tacos with juicy, well-charred meats

  • Carne asada and suadero for that classic taco fix

  • Cheesy mulitas perfect for sharing

  • Fresh house salsas that elevate everything

Whether you’re grabbing lunch on the go, grabbing dinner with friends, or fueling up after a day around town, this spot consistently hits the mark.

Community

Lancaster Comes Together for Love Your City Cleanup on MLK Day

Credit: City of Lancaster

The City of Lancaster is bringing back its popular Love Your City community cleanup, and this time it’s lining up with Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on January 17.

The day kicks off bright and early at 8 a.m. with volunteer check-in at Desert Vineyard Church, located at 1011 East Ave. I. From there, teams will head out across the city to help make Lancaster shine. And yes, a free lunch and T-shirts are part of the deal.

Volunteers will take part in neighborhood and desert cleanups, park beautification, mural painting, graffiti removal, block wall painting, and other hands-on projects throughout the city. No experience is needed. All tools, supplies, and instructions will be provided.

So far, about 1,200 volunteers have signed up, with hopes of reaching 5,000 participants. Many volunteers are coming from local churches and faith-based groups, but everyone is welcome. If you joined a past cleanup, feel free to wear your orange TeamUp Lancaster shirt. New volunteers are encouraged to jump in too.

Cleanup efforts will focus on the area between 10th Street West and Sierra Highway, and Avenues H and I. Residents in those neighborhoods will receive door hangers letting them know volunteers can help remove bulk items from yards and properties. Some homes have already been identified for full cleanups, including yard work, fence repairs, and more.

There will be 12 cleanup zones, with groups assigned to each area. Volunteers will carpool to locations and then spread out. Some streets may be temporarily closed depending on cleanup needs.

Waste Management is once again stepping up as a major partner by providing roll-off containers and wash stations at no cost to the city. As containers fill up, they’ll be swapped out to keep things moving smoothly.

The schedule is simple:

  • 8 to 9 a.m. Registration

  • 9 a.m. to noon Cleanup

  • Noon to 1:30 p.m. Lunch and wrap-up

The impact of past cleanups has been huge. The first event in October drew more than 500 volunteers who removed over 42 tons of waste. A second cleanup in November collected nearly 48 tons and cleared millions of square feet of vacant land. This third event aims to go even bigger.

Volunteers are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothes for outdoor work. To help with planning, the city asks groups to RSVP by calling 661-723-6195 or emailing [email protected]. Walk-ins are still welcome.

At its core, Love Your City is about pride, service, and neighbors helping neighbors. MLK Day makes it the perfect moment to do it together.

Sports News

AVC College

🏀 Men’s Basketball
AVC 80 Vs. Citrus 103
Record: 8-8

🏀 Women’s Basketball
AVC 66 Vs. Citrus 77
Record: 6-10

🏫High School Sports

AV High Basketball Scores:
Antelope Valley 43 (0-15) Vs. AGBU 65
Palmdale (7-12) 69 Vs. Castaic 58
Quartz Hill (10-9) 77 Vs. Palmdale 62
Paraclete 41 (3-12) Vs. St. Genevieve 67
Highland (7-12) 56 Vs. Filmore 41
Lancaster (1-15) 17 Vs. Golden Valley 66
Eastside (14-3) 49 Vs. Littlerock 39
Littlerock (10-10) 39 Vs. Eastside 49
Rosamond (8-10) 35 Vs. Bishop Union 64
Knight (14-3) 66 Vs. Cabrillo 60

Event Spotlight

NTLL Genesis: The Reckoning - Lucha Libre / Pro Wrestling

AV Fam get ready because NTLL Genesis The Reckoning is coming in hot. This high energy lucha libre and pro wrestling event kicks off the year with new debuts a new venue and nonstop action you can feel from the first bell.

NTLL has been bringing top tier wrestling to local communities since 1999 and this show is all about starting the year strong. Expect big personalities high flying moves and matchups that will have the crowd on its feet.

This is an all ages event and perfect for longtime wrestling fans or anyone looking for an exciting Sunday experience in the AV.

Upcoming Events

🎶 Concerts & Live Events 🎤

  • Run It Up w/ Joe Moses, RJMRLA, PKILLA - Jan 17

    📍 44245 Sierra Hwy, Lancaster
    🕓 8PM
    🔗 Event details

  • Saving Abel Live in Palmdale - Jan 22

    📍 40242 La Quinta Lane, Palmdale
    🕓 7PM
    🔗 Event details

  • Jazz Night Rancho Vista - Jan 24

    📍 3905 Club Rancho Drive, Palmdale
    🕓 5:30PM
    🔗 Event details

  • Mariachi Rock Revolution - Jan 24

    📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
    🕓 8PM
    🔗 Event details

  • Barrel of Laughs Comedy Night - Jan 30 & 31

    📍 42041 20th St W, Lancaster
    🕓 6:30PM - 9PM
    🔗 Event details

  • Rhinestone Country - Feb 1

    📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
    🕓 2PM
    🔗 Event details

  • The Jungle Book - Feb 6

    📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
    🕓 7PM
    🔗 Event details

  • Love and Laughter - Feb 13

    📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
    🕓 8PM
    🔗 Event details

  • Jazz at Lincoln Center - Feb 14

    📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
    🕓 8PM
    🔗 Event details

  • Jurassic Quest - Feb 14

    📍 Antelope Valley Fair & Event Center
    🕓 3PM
    🔗 Event details

📅 More Events

  • Palmdale Gun Show - Jan 10 & 11

    ⏰ 9AM
    🔗 Event details

  • Wild Card Comedy Show - Jan 13

    ⏰ 5:30PM
    🔗 Event details

  • Wine Tasting Basics Workshop - Jan 14

    ⏰ 8PM
    🔗 Event details

  • Journey USA - Jan 16 & 17

    ⏰ 7PM
    🔗 Event details

  • Justice Sunday - Jan 18

    ⏰ 4PM
    🔗 Event details

  • NIGHT Art Market with Vendors & Food - Jan 18

    ⏰ 5PM
    🔗 Event details

  • Jazz Night @ Rancho Vista - Jan 23

    ⏰ 5:30PM - 10:30PM
    🔗 Event details

  • Thrift Market - Jan 24

    📍 The Crystal Bar - 41765 12th st W Palmdale
    🕓 11AM
    🔗 Event details

  • Heartsounds Gala 2026 - Feb 21

    ⏰ 5:30PM - 11PM
    🔗 Event details

  • 2nd Annual A.V. Change Maker Black History Gala - Feb 21

    ⏰ 6PM
    🔗 Event details

📅 Recurring Events

  • Dinner with New Friends

    📍 Prime Desert Woodland Preserve

    📅 Every Saturday | 7PM
    🔗 Event details 

  • Movers & Shakers - Senior Walking Club (Starting Jan 2026)

    📍 Prime Desert Woodland Preserve

    📅 Every Wednesday | 9AM
    🔗 Event details 

  • MOAH: CEDAR's Live Figure Drawing Sessions (Advanced - Clothed)

    📍 MOAH: CEDAR - 44857 Cedar Ave, Lancaster, CA 93534

    📅 Every Sunday | 3:30PM or 1PM
    🔗 Event details 

  • Spotlight Cafe - Open Mic Night 
    📍 MOAH: CEDAR - 44857 Cedar Ave, Lancaster, CA 93534

    📅 Every Friday | 5PM - 9PM
    ℹ️ Description: Show off your skills! Enjoy a night out where poets, singers, comedians, and performers of all kinds take the stage for an unforgettable night of creativity.
    🔗 Event details 

  • Friday Night Lights at Rancho Vista
    📍 Location: Rancho Vista Golf Course
    📅 Date & Time: Fridays | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    ℹ️ Description: Join the community for Friday Night Lights at Rancho Vista, where you can swing the night away at the driving range while enjoying live music, laughs, and fresh air. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just in it for the fun, this event is all about chill energy and great company.
    🔗 Event details 

  • Sunday’s Jazz & Champagne Brunch at Bloom Ranch 
    📍 Bloom Ranch, 31880 Aliso Canyon Rd, Acton

    📅 Every Sundays | Two seatings: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM or 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
    ℹ️ Description: Spend your Sunday surrounded by music, food, and fresh country air at Bloom Ranch of Acton
    🔗 Event details 

  • Turf Club Bingo

    📍 AV Fairgrounds
    🕓 Wed - Sat (9am Wed, 3pm Thu, 4pm Fri & Sat)
    ℹ️ Description: Get ready to shout “Bingo!” at the Turf Club!
    🔗 Event details 

  • Board Game Night
    📍 Lucky Luke Brewing Company | 610 W Ave O, Ste 14 Palmdale, CA 93551
    🕙 Every Tuesday from 4 PM to 7:30 PM
    ℹ️ Description: Tuesdays Game Night! Borrow or Bring your own board game! Free Entry.
    🔗 Event Details

🚸 Youth Events, Sports & Recreation

  • Young Champions Karate: Orange Belts & Above (Ages 4-18 | Co-Ed)

    📅 Tuesdays until January 13th, 2026
    🕔 6:55PM - 7:35PM
    🔗 Registration

  • The Jungle Book Live - Feb 6

    📅 Feb 6
    🕔 7PM
    🔗 Registration

🧑‍🌾 Weekly Farmers Markets

  • Palmdale Farmers Market
    📍 Fridays | 3850 E Avenue S, Palmdale, CA 93550

    🕓 4 PM to 8 PM
    🔗 More details

  • AV Winery Farmers Market
    📍 Saturdays | Antelope Valley Winery - 42041 20th St W Lancaster, CA
    ☃️ Winter Market: Starts Second Saturday of the month (December – April)

    🕓 12 PM - 3PM
    🔗 More details

Weekly Weather

📅 Sun, Jan 11 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 60° / Low: 38°
📅 Mon, Jan 12 – 🌤️ Partly Sunny | High: 59° / Low: 37°
📅 Tue, Jan 13 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 58° / Low: 36°
📅 Wed, Jan 14 – 🌤️ Partly Cloudy | High: 57° / Low: 35°
📅 Thu, Jan 15 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 58° / Low: 36°
📅 Fri, Jan 16 – 🌤️ Partly Sunny | High: 59° / Low: 37°
📅 Sat, Jan 17 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 60° / Low: 38°
📅 Sun, Jan 18 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 61° / Low: 39°

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Thanks

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